Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Temporary Goals

Emil sat at his desk, staring at a blank notepad. After the incredible surge in views and comments on his NewTube videos, he knew it was time to plan his next steps carefully. Both in the game and in real life, he had to strategize to maintain and build upon his recent success.

He began jotting down his goals and tasks:

Real Life:

1. Continue Uploading Content: Maintain a consistent upload schedule for NewTube. Aim for at least two videos a week.

2. Engage with Viewers: Respond to comments and create a community around his channel.

3. Monetize: Explore monetization options through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

In-Game:

1. Level Up: Focus on grinding experience points and leveling up.

2. Gear Up: Farm for better equipment and rare items.

3. Networking: Join or form alliances with other players to tackle tougher challenges.

4. Content Creation: Record and edit interesting and challenging gameplay to keep his NewTube channel exciting.

Satisfied with his plan, Emil took a deep breath and put on his NexusGear. As he logged into Eternal Horizon, the familiar rush of excitement washed over him. The virtual world enveloped him, and he found himself standing in the vast expanse of the Pelis Desert. The sun blazed down, casting long shadows across the dunes. Despite the harsh conditions, the landscape was stunning, with towering sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and ancient ruins dotting the horizon.

ShadowBlade took a moment to appreciate the scenery before setting off to hunt monsters and gain experience. He moved swiftly across the sand, his eyes scanning for any signs of movement. The desert was teeming with life, from small scorpions to massive sandworms. He fought and defeated several creatures, feeling his experience points slowly accumulate.

- 45 HP

- 30 HP

- 52 HP

As he farmed, he noticed other players scattered across the desert, each engaged in their own activities. Some were battling monsters, while others were gathering resources or exploring the ruins. The sense of camaraderie and competition was palpable.

Suddenly, a commotion caught his attention. A group of ten players marched into the area, their guild name "Sand Serpents" displayed prominently above their heads. The leader, a burly warrior named Garok, led the group with his right-hand man, a sly rogue named Riven, at his side. They were notorious in the game for their arrogance and tendency to bully other players.

"Alright, listen up!" Garok's voice boomed across the desert. "This is our spot. Anyone who wants to farm here better leave now, or you'll regret it."

Several players looked up, uncertain and intimidated. A small party of three attempted to stand their ground.

"Why should we leave? We were here first!" one of them protested.

Garok sneered. "Because I said so. Now get lost before we make you."

The smaller party hesitated but decided to fight back. However, the Sand Serpents' coordinated attack quickly overwhelmed them. Within moments, the three players were lying defeated on the sand.

- 70 HP

- 63 HP

- 55 HP

"Pathetic," Riven laughed, kicking sand over one of the fallen players.

ShadowBlade watched from a distance, deciding it was best to avoid the confrontation and mind his own business. He continued hunting monsters, but his focus was interrupted when one of the guild members, a mage named Lothar, noticed him.

"Hey, you!" Lothar called out, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can just ignore us and farm here? This is Sand Serpents' territory!"

ShadowBlade remained silent, continuing to slay a nearby sandworm.

- 39 HP

"Answer me, you coward!" Lothar shouted, his face turning red with anger. "I'll teach you a lesson!"

Lothar cast a fireball, aiming it directly at ShadowBlade. Emil swiftly dodged the attack, the fireball scorching the sand where he had been standing. The heat of the blast singed his cloak, but he remained unscathed.

"You want a fight? Fine," Emil muttered under his breath, gripping his twin blades tightly.

ShadowBlade moved with blinding speed, closing the distance between him and Lothar in an instant. He unleashed a flurry of attacks, his blades flashing in the sunlight. Within two skills, Lothar was on the ground, defeated.

- 67 HP

- 58 HP

The other guild members noticed the commotion and rushed over, shouting their skills and mocking ShadowBlade.

"You think you're tough, taking down one of us?" Riven taunted. "You'll regret that!"

"Let's see how you handle all of us!" another guild member jeered.

Garok stepped forward, his massive sword gleaming. "You made a big mistake, buddy. Prepare to be crushed."

ShadowBlade took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. He knew he was outnumbered, but he also knew he had to stand his ground. He couldn't let these bullies have their way.

"You may have numbers, but you don't have skill," ShadowBlade said calmly, readying himself for the inevitable clash.

The Sand Serpents charged at him, their coordinated attack a whirlwind of blades, spells, and arrows. ShadowBlade's mind raced as he dodged and parried, his movements fluid and precise. He countered with a series of quick slashes, taking down two more guild members with swift, calculated strikes.

- 72 HP

- 64 HP

"You'll pay for this!" Garok roared, his sword swinging in a powerful arc.

ShadowBlade met the attack head-on, their blades clashing with a thunderous impact. The force of the blow sent a shockwave through the sand, but ShadowBlade held his ground.

- 75 HP

Riven tried to flank him, but ShadowBlade anticipated the move. He spun around, blocking Riven's dagger and delivering a swift kick to his midsection, sending him sprawling.

- 49 HP

The remaining guild members circled him, their expressions a mix of anger and determination. ShadowBlade knew he had to be careful. One wrong move, and they could overwhelm him.

"You're out of your league, kid," one of them sneered.

"We'll see about that," ShadowBlade replied, his voice steady.